Monday, April 6, 2015

Odyssey of the Mind - The Runaway Train Problem

This was Pierce's second year of participating in Odyssey of the Mind.  Kids choose a problem, and then spend months trying to solve it with creativity and outside-the-box thinking.  This year his team did a problem where they had to build a runaway train, with obstacles, that propelled through a course.  It was very technical.

Pierce really wanted to be the conductor in their skit.  He practiced really hard for the part.  He was thrilled when he got it!  Here is a sign he made as one of their props:

Pierce doesn't seem to have any stage fright.  He spoke loud and clear as he scooted his train around the edge of the track (there was a second, smaller train that you can see along him that actually went along the track). 

Afterwards, the kids took the coaches around and explained how they built everything.  Pierce talked to the coaches for a long time. He likes to explain things.
Unfortunately, they did not place this year.  It was hard seeing all those crestfallen faces after they worked so hard.  But they did a great job, and it was all excellent practice for next year!

25 comments:

  1. He has such a wonderful mind!!!...:)JP

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  2. That was a great experience for them and even tho they didnt win, it was good practice, as you said, for next year. Things like that teach them more than they even realize.

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  3. Tough to win , but fun to be part of.I like their theme.

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  4. an engineer, an actor, so many possibilities. :)

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  5. Oh goodness what a fun time! Great happy moments to remember!

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  6. Hi Lisa! Thanks for leaving a comment on my Bloggers Over 50 site...I know you're NOT over 50 but I added your name anyway!Hahaa...
    Wow! Small world. Did you attend Baylor or MCC?
    Thanks for following!
    hughugs

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  7. It looks like a winner to me! And the experience to work with others is so very important in these projects. Everyone deserves a prize! Linda@Wetcreek Blog

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  8. It was still a wonderful experience, and no doubt teaches them that we won't always "place" or "win." There's always next year! :)

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  9. He is turning into a public speaker! Taking months will build patience and perseverance. How many others were in it? Well, I think he won anyway, by sticking with it, being a good public speaker, and being able to explain it.

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  10. This sounds like a great program for him to be a part of. That's great that Pierce likes to explain things and isn't shy on stage--good skills for him to have.

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  11. I love his dedication and the fact that he does not have stage fright. Being able to explain everything to the coaches is really awesome. He should be very proud of himself for a job well done!

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  12. Pierce is such a sweetheart, and smart! I'm so glad you guys let the boys participate in so many things. You're good parents. :)

    xoxo

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  13. So great to raise a kid with confidence.

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  14. What an excellent experience for him. Great to see that he is focused on speaking for himself. That is a great trait to have in life.

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  15. Aw, bummer. But look at him shine!! I hope he is proud of the way he handled the judges. Look at him go!

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  16. Pierce has gained a lot of confidence!! Good for him!
    love
    tweedles

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  17. I do have stage fright, I absolutely hate speaking in public, hence it's very rarely that happens. I'm glad he got the part, he is very cute in his overalls!

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  18. My boys would love doing this! It looks like so much fun!

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  19. Love the pic of him explaining things to the coaches. :)

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  20. What a cool idea and great experience. My son Lewie would have loved it--anything to do with trains! Yay to Pierce for his hard work and enthusiasm!

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  21. That is great that Pierce got the part in the skit that he wanted.

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  22. That is so cool that he gave it a 100% effort afterwards to close the deal--so to speak. Very impressive, Lisa! I'm sure you were as proud as he was!

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